Setien talks Dembele, formation and Lewandowski

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The latest from the Barcelona boss

Barcelona boss Quique Setien faced the press on Thursday to discuss Friday’s Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.

The coach spoke about Ousmane Dembele’s fitness, Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski comparisons and his formation for the big game.

Here are the best bits:

Setien on Dembele

I think everyone will be pleased he’s able to be here and be in the squad. Obviously he’s going to be able to play and might be able to play a few minutes if the opportunity arises. It’s been nearly a year without being able to participate, but we have the possibility of him playing a few minutes and doing well.

Setien on Lewandowski

Lewandowski is a great footballer but I don’t think he’s up to Leo. It’s clear, he’s in a great moment and he’s very well assisted by teammates who can hurt him. Leo we also saw him against Napoli. It’s good that we can enjoy of footballers like that.

Setien on possibility of playing 4-4-2

We have considered many things, but we will not see it until tomorrow. We may think that the formation is important, but perhaps it is not so important. We know the talent and speed they have. They’re a special attacking side and when they have the ball we’ll have no option but to defend. It’ll be better for us to keep the ball and try to hurt them in the best way possible.

Setien on if Barcelona can win

Of course, we are convinced. We know the potential of the rival, their numbers and their capacity, with an extraordinary potential, but we are too. I think it will be an even game, with alternatives. We have a lot to say in this game.

Setien on Bayern

Many things worry us about them, they are a complete side – they can pressure you, they can defend too, they have a lot of threats with a lot of players in attack. They press you well, we know this, but let’s see if we can beat their press. Something we have going for us is our ability to keep the ball and overcome that pressing from other teams. If we get through that we can hurt them. I don’t see one team dominating. It’s whoever takes their chances that’ll get through.

Setien on Messi

Leo Messi can help us win this game, of course, but I always believe in the strength of the team. You have to help Messi and give him the ball. It’s true he can make goals for himself but without the strength of the team, Leo would be less, just like any other player you can highlight.

Source: barcablaugranes.com